FAQ Friday: Suggestion For a Black Countertop?

Today's FAQ Friday question comes from Jill..."Wondering if you can suggest a good countertop for a kitchen. We were thinking of a black or grey that has a matte finish. I believe there is granite, sandstone, and limestone in that look? But not sure the differences or what works best in a kitchen (staining etc.)"

Thanks for the question Jill.
For durability the best black countertop for a kitchen would definitely be granite.  It's heat, stain and acid resistant.

Limestone (& marble & travertine) are calcium based stones, so anything acidic that gets on the stone will etch the surface.  We do these for kitchens all the time, but you just need to be aware that they won't look perfect forever.  To read more about etching go here.
Sandstone is quite soft & porous compared to granite.  Sandstone is great for fireplaces and an occasional bathroom vanity, but I wouldn't recommend it in the kitchen.

Granite is so popular because it's so durable.
You can have a Honed (matte) Finish done to any black or grey granite that you choose.  To read more about the finishes available go here.

There is quite a variety of black & grey granites out there.  Here four of my favorites...

Absolute Black granite with a Honed Finish.

Eclectic Kitchen design by Orange County Media And Blogs Tara Bussema

Virginia Mist granite with a Honed Finish

Traditional Kitchen Countertops design by Dc Metro Kitchen And Bath cynthia murphy

Cambrian Black granite with a Satin Finish.

Traditional Kitchen design by Dallas Kitchen And Bath Brooke B. Sammons @ The Kitchen Source

Impala Black granite.

Photo: Mistones

Thanks again for your question Jill!  Hopefully this helps.

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